July 23, 2008 - The Parish Thrift Store is located in the basement of the Bethel Presbyterian Church at the corner of Franklin and Jackson Streets in Knightstown.

The Knightstown Parish, which is a consolidation of three Presbyterian Churches (Bethel in Knightstown, Lewisville First Presbyterian and Ebenezer Presbyterian in northwestern Rush County), was looking for a way that the manpower of the three churches could best serve the Lord through some sort of Christian Program. That was almost two years ago.

The Parish Clothing Thrift Store provides new and gently used clothing for adults and children of all ages. Since it is a not-for-profit ministry, the prices run from free to a maximum of $1 per item of clothing with many free items such at toys and stuffed animals, hats and purses.

The store received a grant for improvement of the present facility and soon will be adding some 18 to 20 clothing racks, a hand rail and better lighting for the Jackson Street entrance which to date has remained closed due to poor lighting and lack of a hand rail.

The store hours have been increased to the second and fourth Saturdays of each month from 8:30 a.m. to 11 a.m. Many of the donated clothing items are new and have never been worn. Donations are welcomed and can be delivered during the open hours on the second and fourth Saturdays. Special arrangements can be made by calling 765-345-5951 or 345-5390 Wednesday and Thursday afternoons.

In a time when gas prices are high and many families are revamping their family budgets to maximize every dollar spent, it only makes sense to make use of the many clothing thrift stores in this area, according to thrift store organizers. Besides the one in Knightstown there is one at Bradley Methodist Church in Greenfield, which is open on Friday and Saturday mornings from 9 a.m. to noon. Another community thrift store in the old Val Building located at 1312 South 14th St. in New Castle. That store is open Tuesday through Saturday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. There is also a Methodist Church Clothing Store in downtown Middletown open weekdays.

“Not only does the store cater to those families wishing to stretch their budgeted clothing dollars but it helps out in cases of disasters such as house fires, tornados, floods, etc.,” a press release from the Presbyterian Church said.